Evaluation intercultural behavior:

The intercultural behavior is the diversity of behaviors coming from different cultures.  This intercultural diversity often appears in the melting-pot society or in the workplace, especially in multination companies. The evaluation is the fact of taking information and tries to understand them. We can wonder why is it so important to be able to evaluate intercultural behavior?

The behavior of people depends on many parameters like the society, the culture or the way which he/she was educated. There are many difference behaviors or values. So there also are different manner to interpret them, which can lead to communication and comprehensive problems. It is important to define what is the universal behavior and those relative to a culture. When some behavior is relative to a culture it is better to not judge with our opinion but try to understand and accept them.

With increase globalization, companies are led to work with other companies from different countries. One of the most important aims of employees and employers is to be good in intercultural relationships. Indeed, without any knowledge of cultural characteristics of the business partner, it is very likely to have some misunderstanding. Those misunderstandings often lead to a strengthening of difference of cultures and can become counterproductive. Being able to evaluate and understand intercultural behavior is now becoming a key competence in business since it avoids misunderstanding.

The best way to try understanding other culture is to be immerging in the country. For example, either by travelling and by meeting local people, or by academic exchanging are some different ways to be steeped in and learn another culture. Indeed, the way of thinking, the way of reacting or the way or solving problems can be different according countries, regions, cultures. Each cultures or countries have their own norm which must be respect even if we do not understand them. A simple illustration is the way of saying hello which differs from a country to another. For example, in France, we kiss the cheeks. According the regions, the number of kisses or the first cheek that we give to the other person can change. Actually, in the North, French people gives the right cheek first with two kisses whereas in the South is the left cheek first with three or sometimes two kisses. The number of kisses depends on region and habits.

Thus, being able to evaluate and understand intercultural behavior is now primordial, especially in multinational companies. It makes work easier and efficient because it avoids misunderstanding.